In Loving Memory

Donna Carol Yoas, 84, passed away peacefully on February 10, 2024, in Dallas, Texas, after a brave battle with cancer. Donna was born on September 21, 1939, in Baltimore, Maryland. She spent her childhood in West Virginia before moving to Cleveland, Ohio as a teenager. She graduated from Fairview Park High School where she was active in sports and social activities, and then attended Miami University in Oxford, Ohio for a year. In 1958 she married her high school sweetheart Charles A. Schaefer.

In 1959, they moved to Dallas, Texas where her primary focus was raising their three children. She was a busy and supportive mother who found time to be involved outside the home in such activities as PTA, scout leadership, and attending school sports events. During the 1980’s, Donna transitioned from a homemaker to a professional, working in Plano in community banking and at the corporate headquarters of Frito Lay, Dr Pepper, and GTE.    She retired in 1999, and Charles Schaefer passed away in 2000.

Donna started a new chapter of her life when she met and married Ralph G. Yoas.  Together they enjoyed 28 years of marriage and friendship. Traveling to Canada, Mexico, Puerto Rico, Costa Rico, Hawaii, and throughout the United States, they lived a full and joyful life together. They resided in Duncanville, Rockwall, Heath, and then fully “retired” to Dallas. Donna always made many friends wherever she lived, hosting dinners and volunteering in multiple organizations.

Donna’s artistic talents were revealed in many forms including floral arranging, needlework and stained glass.  She also developed impressive sewing skills as a young mother, and over her lifetime created many beautiful garments, quilts, and items for her grandchildren. She enjoyed meeting people, doing volunteer work, cooking, watching animals and wildlife, gardening, and caring for her pets. Her greatest love was that for her family, and she treasured her role as mother, grandmother, and great grandmother.

Donna is survived by her husband Ralph G. Yoas, children Lorie Schaefer Grinnan (husband Jeff Grinnan), Mike Schaefer, Derick Schaefer (wife Claudia Schaefer), grandchildren Nicholas Grinnan (wife Jenna Grinnan), Kimberly Grinnan Kelley (husband Matt Kelley), Sebastian Schaefer, and great grandchildren Wesley Grinnan and Adeline Kelley. She will also be missed by Ralph’s children Stuart Yoas (Jocelyn Tudor) and Tim Yoas (wife Barbara Starcke) and granddaughter Allison. Surviving extended family members include her sister-in-law Janice Schaefer Weisbarth and husband Bill of Ohio, and her brother-in-law Gary Schaefer and wife Carol of Washington.  She was dearly loved by her entire family and will be profoundly missed.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made on her behalf to cancer research.  In a private ceremony reflecting the love and light she brought into this world, Donna’s life was celebrated by her immediate family, officiated by Tom Landis. She was laid to rest at Restland Memorial Cemetery.